You receive an email containing a link that seems suspicious to you. Rather than take the risk of opening it and contaminating your computer or smartphone, why not use an online scanning system. These devices scan web links and files through over 70 different antiviruses to detect any virus or malware..
Scan a file online with VirusTotal
Phishing attacks keep on increasing. In order to trap internet users, hackers show extraordinary ingenuity and talent. They use the visual identity of major brands or state agencies in malicious messages to trick their victim into believing that they are communicating with a trusted third party.
You have probably already received this type of email. These most often contain a link to a fraudulent site or a file containing malware capable of extorting your bank details, your personal data or your passwords..
This type of attack is more and more difficult to foil. The content of the message, the address of the supposed sender, it all seems true. You will find in the link opposite some information to recognize phishing attacks.
Run a scan before opening attachments or a link
At a time when security is more than ever at the heart of Internet users' concerns, a service like VirusTotal has become essential. The criminals no longer hesitate to pass themselves off as brands, delivery men or banking establishments..
The most sophisticated attacks use real information from data theft (name, address, phone number etc.) to make their email more credible. In case of doubt, it is advisable to check the full address of the sender to launch an in-depth analysis of the links present in the message.
- Launch your smartphone's web browser
- Open the VirusTotal security site
- Go back to your messaging app
- Copy the potentially malicious link, being careful not to click on it
- To do this you will have to put your finger on it for a few seconds until a submenu appears.
- Click the copy link option
- Go back to your web browser
- Click on the URL tab
- Keep your finger pressed on the VirusTotal search module
- Select the paste option
- Start the analysis
The VirusTotal site will query more than 70 different antiviruses (AVG, Kasperky, F-Secure, McAfee, Panda, Trend Micro etc ..). If the URL has already been crawled, the site will show you the results of the previous crawl.
Be careful, hackers create new sites with each new attack. It may well be that the URL has not yet been listed by antivirus. Unfortunately, these security devices are far from offering an optimal level of protection.
Note that VirusTotal has an Android application. It greatly facilitates the use of the virus analysis service thanks in particular to its automatic web link analysis system. Besides files and URLs, the app is also able to check the apps installed on the phone.